Special Sub-Topic: JFK Assassination: Separating Myth from Fact Click Here To Play: JFK Assassination: Separating Myth from Fact

John F. Kennedy arrived in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963 to drum up political support for the 1964 election. Before he headed to Dealey Plaza, what Texas city did he visit?

Ft. Worth. Kennedy had breakfast at a Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce function at The Hotel Texas. Afterward, he and his wife, Jacqueline, boarded Airforce One, which took them to Dallas Source: "Beyond 'JFK': The Question of Conspiracy" (1992) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103801/

Where was Kennedy headed when he drove through Dealy Plaza?

To a luncheon at the Dallas Trademart. At first, Kennedy was skeptical about going to Dallas because of the fan reception he would receive from the Republican state. But once he arrived, he was greeted with compassion. Nellie Connally was even impressed, saying to the President, "You can't say Dallas doesn't love you." Source: Source: "Beyond 'JFK': The Question of Conspiracy" (1992) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103801/

On what street did the assassination of John F Kennedy take place?

Elm. The driver was actually supposed to go onto Main Street and then onto the Stemmons freeway. For reasons unknown, the route was changed. Source: "Beyond 'JFK': The Question of Conspiracy" (1992) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103801/

During Kennedy's car ride, Abraham Zapruder took out his 8mm camera and began filming. Was he the only one to capture the assassination on film?

n. While videotapes were taken while watching the motorcade, Zapruder's tape was the clearest and most detailed account of the assassination.

Why was the impact of the first shot not caught on Zapruder's video tape?

The Stemmon's Freeway sign was in the way. Had the sign not been there, or if Zapruder was in a different position, there would be less doubt as to where the bullet came from and when the shot actually occurred. Source: Peter Jennings Reporting: The Kennedy Assassination - Beyond Conspiracy (2003)

After Kennedy has been shot the first time, his arms fly up to his neck in a horizontal position near his throat. He did this as an instinctual reaction to being hit.

t. The bullet which struck Kennedy chipped a piece of his spine off, resulting in a neurological response called the Thornburn effect. His arms were physically locked in this position, until the final shot ruptured his brain. Source: "Case Closed" by Gerald Posner

During the first shot, Governor Connally was shot. In what part of his body did the bullet finally end up?

Thigh. Connally was shot in the back. The bullet exited out of his chest before shattering his wrist and eventually going into his thigh.

It is believed that either before or after Kennedy is struck, an additional shot rang out. How do we know this shot existed?

It hit a person. James Tague was watching the motorcade by the triple underpass, when a bullet hit a curb, which ricocheted onto his cheek. He sustained minor injuries, but it proved that one shot had missed the car completely. Source: "The Tague Wounding" from http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/dealey.htm

Conspiracy theorists have speculated that the final shot that hit Kennedy's head came from where?

The grassy knoll. Because President Kennedy's movements were "back and to the left," many people assumed that he was hit from the front, which would propel him backwards. However, when hit with a bullet, it is common for the area shot, (in this case, the head), to move toward where the bullet entered. For more info about the headshot and grassy knoll, go here: The "Back, and to the Left. Back, and to the Left. Back, and to the Left." http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/dealey.htm

Why did Jackie say that she climbed on the back of the limousine after the final shots rang out?

Gathering the pieces of her husbands skull. Jackie claimed that she "wanted to put him back together again". When the motorcade arrived at the hospital, she handed the doctors the pieces of her husbands skull, asking "Will this help?" Source: Peter Jennings Reporting: The Kennedy Assassination - Beyond Conspiracy (2003)

What was the name of the secret service agent who raced to the car after Kennedy had been shot?

Clint Hill. Clint Hill was assigned to Jackie's Secret Service team. As soon as he realized what was happening, he climbed onto the back of the car and shielded both the President and the first lady. His failure to protect them riddled him with guilt for years. Because of his bravery, Clint was the inspiration for Clint Eastwood's character in "The Line of Fire." Source: JFK Lancer at http://www.jfklancer.com/CHill.html

What soap opera was interrupted to give U.S. residents the news of Kennedy's death?

As the World Turns. Walter Cronkite broke the news that Kennedy had been shot, and of his subsequent death. Source: Actual footage shown on "Reasonable Doubt: The Single-Bullet Theory and the Assassination of John F. Kennedy"

How many minutes were there between John F Kennedy's assassination and JD Tippet's murder?

15. Oswald had fifteen minutes to go back to his boarding house, get his gun, and shoot Tippet. Many people witnessed this crime, though their stories vary on who actually committed it. Source: Peter Jennings Reporting: The Kennedy Assassination - Beyond Conspiracy (2003)

What movie was being shown when Oswald was arrested in the Texas Theater?

War is Hell. There was a double feature that afternoon, starting with "Cry of Battle." However, when Oswald was arrested, the second half of the double feature was showing "War is Hell." Source: "War is Hell" on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058735/trivia

What now famous statement did Oswald repeatedly say throughout the police interrogation process?

I'm a patsy. Some conspiracy theorists believe Oswald was a patsy set up by a sinister party. However, there is little evidence to prove this theory. Source: Various police tapes from November 22nd, 1963

Two days after the assassination, police allowed nightclub owner Jack Ruby access to watch Oswald's transfer to the county jail. Was this the first time Ruby had seen Oswald?

n. Ruby had posed as a newspaper reporter on the night of the assassination. After that, he tried two other times to see Oswald, but one event was canceled and the other he missed. On the fourth try, he made history. Source: G. Robert Blakey on Peter Jennings Reporting: The Kennedy Assassination - Beyond Conspiracy (2003)

What kind of gun was used to shoot Oswald?

Colt Cobra .38. Ruby claimed he killed Oswald to save Jackie Kennedy from having to testify in court. At first, many people applauded his decision to take out the President's assassin. But later on, the public soon realized that he had silenced the only voice who could answer their questions. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Ruby#Public_assassination

Which other President's funeral was similar to Kennedy's?

Lincoln. President Lyndon B. Johnson declared the day to be one of mourning, and all businesses, schools, and anyone in the workforce were allowed to stay home and pay tribute to the fallen president. Source: Wikipedia: Jackie Onassis at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacqueline_Kennedy_Onassis#Assassination_and_funeral_of_John_F._Kennedy

Oswald and Kennedy were buried on the same day.

t. In an ironic twist of fate, both the victim and the murderer were buried on the same day. Kennedy at Arlington National Cemetery, and Oswald at Rose Hill Cemetery in Ft. Worth, TX. Source: "The Men Who Killed Kennedy: the Patsy" (1988)

When was the Texas School Book Depository turned into a museum?

1989. The museum attracts millions a year. In 2002, due to its popularity, the museum branched off to the seventh floor. The sixth floor museum website can be found at: http://www.jfk.org/